Thanksgiving the pioneer way

As Thanksgiving approaches, we get excited for our favorite traditions.  The aromas of turkey, dressing, green bean casseroles, mashed potatoes, and our favorite brown gravy to top it all off with. 

I have used Pioneer brown gravy mix throughout my whole life.  I am so pleased to have a paid partnership with Pioneer to promote the beloved gravy mix.  (ad) Since 1851, Pioneer has honored their tradition of quality into our homes.   #cookingwithpioneer

Their mixes are rich in flavor, and you can trust that Pioneer mixes contain no artificial flavoring. 

The Easy Gravy Step:

Good news, the gravy is going to be one of the easiest parts of your Thanksgiving cooking! With Pioneer Gravy, all you need are three simple ingredients and you have quality, delicious gravy to accompany your Thanksgiving meal.

There is no reason to slay over a stove making a roué from scratch.  You can trust in the quality of Pioneer brown gravy mix.  It is delicious and easy to make from the directions provided.  However, you can make it your own by adding in some of your favorite flavors as well.

I use the Pioneer gravy mix for my Sunday Supper roast often.  It is one of our favorite dishes throughout the year.  If your family loves a mushroom sauce, you can simply add fresh mushrooms, butter, garlic powder or pepper, and Worcestershire sauce or a couple of tablespoons of red wine to the package of Pioneer brown gravy mix.  

I often use the Pioneer brown gravy mix by adding garlic pepper, and a two teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce to pour over my pot roast.   It is delicious and rich in flavor, and a crowd pleaser! 

Secrets for Making the Perfect Gravy, Every Time.

• Bring to a boil. For a nice, thick gravy, make certain your water is at a full, rolling boil when preparing our gravy mixes to ensure that the starches are activated.
• Mix first before adding: When adding gravy mix to boiling water – consider first mixing it with a minimal amount of water to ensure a smooth transfer.  Adding the dry mix directly to boiling water can create lumps.

Quick Gravy Cheat Sheet

• Peppered gravies should have a noticeable pepper flavor but are not considered “hot” in flavor.
• Country-style gravies should have noticeable meat notes, specifically pork, bacon, and/or chicken.
• White gravies make excellent soups – including chowders and bisques - as well as wonderful sauces including garlic sauces, mushroom sauces, lemon sauces and cheese sauces. Think of your white gravy as the base for a multitude of meal sauce solutions served with protein or pasta.
• Savory gravies (brown, chicken, turkey and pork) also make excellent sauces. Add reduced wine, garlic and herbs for a spectacular complement to your meal- fun sauces include bordelaise, rosemary peppercorn, country sage, chipotle chicken and many more.

 
Now what to do with those leftovers?  Whether it is the big Thanksgiving feast, or a Sunday Supper meal, you can make a delicious open-faced sandwich by using your leftover turkey, roast or other meats, and the delicious Pioneer gravy mix.

 Leftover Turkey or Roast Open-Faced Sandwich

The classic turkey sandwich is everyone’s immediate go-to meal after Thanksgiving. However, after our third turkey sandwich of the week, we want to be able to spice things up. Treat your sandwich as if you are in a 5-star restaurant and add the works! You can create a beautiful open face sandwich using the leftover turkey, roast, potatoes, or stuffing.  Don’t forget the main ingredient to hold it all together – gravy! This will make you forget you are eating leftovers for the fifth day in a row.

For a special treat, be sure and try out The Pioneer Sweet Yellow Corn Muffin mix.   You can tell by my blog name, that I love me some sweet yellow cornbread. The Pioneer sweet yellow corn muffin mix does not disappoint!  Simple to use and easy to please.  Just add 1 egg, ½ cup milk to the mix and in 15-20 minutes, you have some delicious muffins.  We eat these at my house for a snack!

I hope you find the recipes that I am sharing helpful to plan your upcoming holiday meal.  They are good to use for all the upcoming holidays or your favorite Sunday supper meal.

Happy Thanksgiving!
 
 
Pat’s Favorite Pioneer Brown Gravy
 
Ingredients:
1 pkg. of Pioneer Gravy Mix 1.61 oz (46g)
1 1/2 ½ cups water
1 Teaspoon Garlic Pepper
2 Teaspoons of Worcestershire Sauce
 
Instructions:

In a saucepan add 1 ½ cups water, 1 Teaspoon of Garlic Pepper, 2 Teaspoons of Worcestershire Sauce
Follow the guidelines below when adding in the Pioneer gravy mix from our gravy tips:

• Bring to a boil. For a nice, thick gravy, make certain your water is at a full, rolling boil when preparing our gravy mixes to ensure that the starches are activated.
• Mix first before adding: When adding gravy mix to boiling water – consider first mixing it with a minimal amount of water to ensure a smooth transfer.  Adding the dry mix directly to boiling water can create lumps.

Serve over potatoes, roast, turkey, dressing or stuffing
 
  
Sweet Yellow Corn Muffin Recipe

Ingredients:
1 6 oz pkg of Pioneer Sweet Yellow Corn Muffin Mix
1 egg (slightly beaten)
1/2 cup milk

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Oil your muffin pan or use pan liners.
Blend corn muffin mix, egg and milk in a medium bowl. Stir only until moistened.
Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 6 muffins
 
​

Apple Bacon Sweet Yellow Cornbread Dressing
Yield:  9” Skillet
Prep Time:  10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:  40 minutes
 
Ingredients: 

1 6 oz. pkg.          Pioneer Sweet Yellow Corn Mix
1 2.75 oz. pkg.     Pioneer Country Gravy, prepared
8 oz.                    Bacon, thick cut, diced  (cook crisp and dice)
2 pc                    Red Apples, core removed (diced into large pieces)
½ cup                    Onion sliced
1 tbsp                Garlic, sliced t1/2hin
1 tbsp                Sage, chopped
1 ½ cup                Chicken Stock



 
Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 Degrees.
2. Dice prepared cornbread, about 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
3. In skillet, brown the bacon. When fully browned remove from pan and drain all but 1 tbsp of fat.
4. In skillet, add onions, garlic, sage, and apples.  Sauté for 2 minutes on medium high heat. Transfer all contents of pan to a large bowl.
5. In empty skillet, add the diced cornbread and top with contents of large bowl.
6. Add chicken stock to prepared Pioneer Country Gravy then pour the contents over the ingredients in the skillet and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Garnish with additional sage sprigs.

 
 Tip: For added crunch dice or slice an additional apple to top right before serving.
 
 
 
 
 

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